Sage Hill Gardens – Page 11 – Sustainable Living With Healthy FOOD

Easter…..The Real Meaning

The best way to understand the real meaning of Easter would be from Jesus, in His three words … the new covenant.

https://www1.cbn.com/devotions/The-Real-Meaning-of-Easter

Most all of us adapt to our current day forms of celebrations…….
Maybe that is OK as long as we don’t forget and fail to teach the real history, how and why the holiday came to be.

My oldest son loved holidays with all the trimmings…so naturally he enjoyed his basket and his little brothers basket! (circa 1966) his brother was a preemie of 5 months…no photo’s until his 6 month check-up.

A master-piece by Bradley and Jack…grandsons..about 2009 I think.

May your Easter Sunday be blessed with love and truth….

A Geranium is a geranium except when it’s a Cranesbill…

Let’s talk about….

Geranium’s, they are lovely and OK…but I am in love with the Cranesbill that grows wild and talks to me! shhhh….you must listen very carefully.

Despite their common name, scented geraniums are unrelated to the true geranium (Geranium maculatum), or cranesbill, whose lovely rose pink flowers are often found growing wild in temperate woodlands. They are, rather, members of the Pelargonium genus, which includes the beloved garden geranium that’s cultivated in window boxes and ornamental gardens throughout the country. Semi-woody and tender, these perennials are native to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and, if left outdoors, rarely survive the rigorous winters typical of most of the United States.

The leaf texture of the SG can be smooth, sticky or velvety. The back of the leaf is what releases the scent for which each geranium is named.

They are well suited for growing in container’s but do very well in the ground also. They thrive in sunny locations and need evenly moist soil, and they do much better from rooted cuttings than from seed.
It’s a good idea to water several hours before you plan to take cuttings.

While there are well over 100 varieties of the SG , for culinary use the rose, lemon and mint are most in demand.

They do attract some pest and careful attention is required if you wish to have healthy and thriving plants. Caterpillar’s, aphids, mealybugs, and white flies are just a few of the things you may find having lunch.

You can easily control the caterpillars by lifting off and placing some-place else.

I always grow an extra small patch of parsley for them to feed on, …..some will turn into beautiful butterflies you know, so please never kill them.

The other pest you can wash away with diluted alcohol and a Q-tip.
A good insecticidal soap will work also.

If you need a good book about these lovely plants:

“Knowing, Growing and Enjoying Scented Geraniums” (by) Jim Becker and Faye
Brawner.

Happy Gardening…..it’s time!

April Showers, April Fools, April is….

such an awesome month, we are all so anxious to get started in the garden and mother nature is just as anxious to hold us back! I suppose because she knows her work isn’t finished to put all things in place for good and abundant growing. It can really be a lesson in patience……

There are many things we can do in April that will help move things along rapidly when we do get the final go-ahead.

We can start pre-paring our soil for planting providing it isn’t too wet….never work your soil when it’s wet, it isn’t a good thing for many reasons. This is a great time to get the weed problem under control if you have them. One good way to avoid that problem is to grow in raised beds. Another benefit is it gives your garden very good drainage.

This is a good time to lay out new locations, build beds, move plants to other locations, and do some snipping and pruning of certain things. Also time to sew seeds in transplant trays for later planting.

Another must have project is to start a compost pile if you don’t have one.
It’s never too late to do this……it’s the best fertilizer you can find anywhere,
and of course if your growing by organic methods, compost is black gold!

I think April is my favorite month in the garden….not because it’s the most beautiful time but because the options are so many……just dream it and you can do it !
I would love to hear from you and know what you are planning for your garden this spring.

(Do you Know:) Oregano packs 42 times more antioxidants than an apple. You can grow all you need for a family kitchen in a large pot, reasonable water/nutrients and plenty of sun.

Have an “Awesome April”………………….

https://sagehillgardens.com/healthy-after

More Please…but of course!

So many of you know me so well…you know I spent the last 16 years developing and fine tuning a garden project. A project successful in so many ways. A project that will forever have threads running through my days.

Even with that truth…

I feel it is now time to move into another phase of my life…I will never stop playing/working in the gardens…however, my focus will now be on “more”
beauty, bliss and passion for the coming days/years that stretch before me .

A bit of edge to any day/day’s activity is energizing and requires thought and action…two requirements for an interesting life.

Sooo, don’t be surprised at anything you might see from me!!

*Beauty is not all about our face and Bliss is not a state of utopia….the two together is how we move through our time and gifts we leave along the way for others.

*Stylish is not “dressed up”…..it is dressed to feel good and bring confidence and pleasure to something we have to do every day…..So, since we have to dress daily…dress with purpose! Oh…and smile!

Artfully arranged, flowers on the table turn a simple meal into a dining pleasure. Soon the wild flowers will be plentiful….no need to buy ….

Charm And Romance In The Garden~

Some would say a ‘garden is a garden’….but I would say….each garden has its own special signature. Whether formal or cottage style, there are many touches that can transform the simplest to splendor and the formal to ease and comfort.

Cottage gardens began in England and were more for growing food than for simple pleasure.
As more and more food became available in markets the cottage garden became more ornamental. My first thought when Cottage gardening comes to mind is “overcrowded.” However, overcrowded can be beautiful if a little thought goes into the placement of the bulk of planting.
Fencing and hedges, paths and garden art can define areas of interest, leaving the rest for casual viewing and not so much close-up inspection.

If one is lucky enough to have plants from previous generations of family or friends…this can bring an element of meaning to be cherished and passed on to other family and friends who garden.

A Memory garden inside a garden is a special way to honor those who have gone from our lives.

Sage Hill Farms is named in memory of my mother….who thought she could not cook anything worthy of eating without Sage.

Don’t forget the critter garden when remembrance spots are planned…..children especially have a hard time adjusting to losing a pet, understanding why baby birds get tossed from their nest and die…butterflies with broken wings that render them helpless….knowing they are in a safe place that can be cared for makes these rough moments a bit easier to accept.

Whatever plans you have for your spring garden…make it you own, name it, treat it with the same love and attention that you expect for yourself….the rewards will be more than you can imagine.

Oh…and don’t forget to add herbs anywhere and everywhere. Garlic grows well among and is beneficial to roses. Basil is a lifeline for tomatoes.

Above all else, let your own personality guide you~

The Real Green Deal~

Fake news, fake politician’s, fake promises, fake medicine, fake food….and then there are….the Gardens at Sage Hill…..nothing fake here baby!

Happy spring in waiting….

In Search of the Patriotic Sunday~Sage Hills Patriotic Kitchen

My generation grew up patriotic, not something to call attention to, or to take a stand on…it was born in us, our heritage, our legacy…
God, family, country…..

Please join us for a Patriotic Sunday…..

Make certain your flag is flying high, your Bible is book of choice,
and dinner is served at noon…

God Bless~

A Note From Sage Hills Patriotic Kitchen~

There was a time when the dinner table served a dual purpose, one… to feed hungry folks and two, to discuss any and all important issues of the day.
In the south, football and all things pertaining to, certainly qualifies for that spot!
Nothing speaks football in the south better than Tailgating…I’ve heard it said in fact…it is akin to a military exercise!!

I do know these two truths are high on the event calendar.

Alabama has its RV Army, whose troops converge by the thousands on Crimson Tide games. They come with coolers, grills, TV’s enough food for …well, an army! ( I have seen the kitchen table a few times)

Tennessee has its Volunteer Navy, a fleet of various vessels that collects in equally impressive numbers around Neyland Stadium…one of only two college football venues accessible by water.

So, there you go folks…gather round the dinner table, give thanks to Almighty God for your freedom to yell…Roll Tide!

Amazing Grace-Sage Hills Patriotic Kitchen

Sage Hill’s Patriotic Kitchen is more than a place to cook and eat…although that is a priority…most days…..It’s also a place where honest, hard working people, dedicated to love of God, family, and country, come together to feast…not only with food, but with love and respect for all those whom have gone before us…paved the way…paid the price….left a legacy worthy of carrying on.
My patriotic kitchen has birthed good music, blues, country, and gospel…
Football is sometimes king and the southeastern conference is the kingdom….
In my Patriotic kitchen age matters…yes ma’am…no ma’am…please and thank you.
You can wear shoes or not, no one cares…but you will say grace and salute the flag…for you see…my Patriotic kitchen is a state of “Amazing” grace.

Season of the Pumpkin~

Around our house October and November mean lots of pumpkins, big fat orange ones, and dainty, and not so dainty, white ones, fat, skinny, perfect and totally warped ones. I never ever have enough pumpkins to satisfy my never-ending use for them. Of course the pumpkin isn’t the only autumn fruit/vegetable that is worthy of attention in the colorful scheme of this most loved part of the year.
Gourds, corn stalks, and the different array of apples, from green to yellow to red and a combination of all the previous mentioned colors, it really is the most colorful season.

We enjoy using the colorful selection as an inviting grouping on the front porch, a lovely selection of pumpkins on the farm table in the dining room is very fitting.
A few scattered around the gardens provide a little touch of color to a somewhat fading look by this time of year.

And…of course we must not forget the Jack-O-Lantern.

What would October be without that special face sitting by the door greeting everyone who passes by or comes to call.

One of my very favorite uses for the pumpkin is in the kitchen of course.

For the family meal at Thanksgiving I use a medium size “Sugar Pumpkin”…(best for cooking)as a serving bowl for our favorite stew.

The options are many, just use your imagination for the stew.

Cut the top from a medium size Sugar Pumpkin, scoop out at least half of the pulp/without leaving the shell too thin. Set aside to use in the stew.

In a large deep pan place the pumpkin in boiling water, about 1/3 of the way up on the pumpkin.
Place in a very hot oven and cook until all the water is gone or until the pumpkin is just starting to get soft.(don’t overcook)

Remove from oven, let sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.

Sprinkle the inside with salt and pepper or your favorite spices.

Saute’ the firm parts of the pumpkin pulp, season according to your other ingredients. Stir all together and add to the pumpkin shell. Put it back in the oven and cook about 20 minutes, just enough to blend the flavors.

Makes a lovely centerpiece for the table and delicious too!

Enjoy this season, however you celebrate …it is ever so special.